For a healthy, beautiful smile, you want to not only protect your pearly whites but your gums as well. Brushing and flossing every day will keep both your teeth and gums healthy and the outcome will be a beautiful smile. Neglecting this daily oral hygiene routine can lead to tooth decay and even gum disease as well.
Removing oral bacteria daily prevents the buildup of plaque and inflammation of gum tissue. Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is easily treated by stepping up daily brushing and flossing and incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash. Mouthwash both kills bacterial plaque and removes loosened food particles from brushing and flossing. Plaque is the sticky film which creates toxins that irritate healthy gum tissue, causing your gums to swell and bleed whenever you brush and floss.
Periodontitis develops if gingivitis is left untreated. With periodontitis, pockets are created in the gum tissue below the gumline allowing food particles and plaque to accumulate. At this stage of gum disease, the bones and fibers holding your teeth in place are damaged as gum tissue in the pockets become infected. Left unchecked, as the fibers and bone continue breaking down and becoming destroyed, the teeth in these pockets become loose and may fall out.
You can prevent this deterioration by brushing at least twice each day, and flossing at least once, and adding a mouthwash rinse as well. Then, every six months or so come in for a professional dental cleaning to remove hardened plaque/tartar, both above and below the gumline. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can detect, prevent and treat gum disease early.
If you would like to schedule a visit with Dr. Vinh T. Pham to help restore your healthy smile, please call our Kirkwood Dental team in Campbell, California at 408-378-8500 today!